Josh Koscheck hoping to fight at UFC 155

Though Dan Henderson’s withdrawal from UFC 151 may have garnered more headlines based on the subsequent fallout from his actions, “Hendo” wasn’t the first featured fighter forced off the since-scratched card for health-related reasons. In early August, Josh Koscheck pulled out of a co-headlining clash with Jake Ellenberger after suffering a back injury while training for the tilt and was replaced by Jay Hieron.

Fortunately, it looks like Koscheck won’t be sidelined for an extended period of time and should be able to take to the Octagon again before the end of 2012. In fact, the curly-coifed competitor already has a date in mind for his return to the ring.

“I’ll be ready to fight by December 29 in Vegas,” Koscheck exclaimed on Twitter, adding, “My rehab is going great.”

The 17-6 Koscheck did not express interest in a specific opponent, though Ellenberger is an unlikely option as his bout with Hieron has been rescheduled for October 5 as the result of UFC 151’s cancellation.

UFC 155 is currently scheduled as the company’s annual NYE Weekend event. The card is expected to feature heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos putting his gold up for grabs against Cain Velasquez, one of Koscheck’s former teammates at American Kickboxing Academy.